Echo Park Fire Station 20 could return to full strength

ECHO PARK — After six years with a smaller crew, Fire Station 20 could be adding an engine and staff that go with it if the L.A. Fire Department approves the expansion.

The budget the City Council passed for fiscal year 2017-2018 includes funding to restore personnel at the Sunset Boulevard station to previous levels, according to Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell.

However, the department has not yet made a final decision on whether to spend the money that way, according to LAFD spokesman Peter Sanders.

“No decision has been made regarding what station at which we will restore resources,” Sanders said. “Fire Station 20 is one of a number of stations under consideration to have a previously existent fire engine placed back in permanent service.”

Back in 2011, because of the economic recession, Station 20 lost an engine and the four crew members that went with it. Since then, Fire Station 20 has operated with a light force of 10 members, along with with paramedic and EMT ambulances.

If the engine is restored, personnel would be back up to 14, Sanders said.

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